The young Brit started on the pole. But two-thirds of the way
into the 59-lap race, it was obvious it was not going to be his
day in front of his home fans.

Raikkonen rained on the parade by leaving Hamilton on the podium
for the ninth successive race, but not on the top step.

"I made the wrong decision with the setup, and it caused me
problems during the race," Hamilton said. "Even in qualifying,
I didn't have the pace I should have had, but it was too late to
change the car. I've learned a good lesson.

"At the first pit stop I made a mistake. I thought the lollipop
lifted, and I went. It was a mistake which cost me time. I've
come away with a ninth podium and I'm the most consistent driver
here. I have to be happy with that."

Hamilton admitted he had had "a wicked season so far," with "no
complaints." He knows, though, he can do better.

"I need to step up my game, which I intend to do," Hamilton
said. "As a team we need to push, as always, but try to push
even more if we can. As for me as a driver, I'm still learning.

"We're going to a few tracks I know, so it should really make
the weekend a little bit easier, but it doesn't. I've struggled
to get the pace. We need to make sure the car is set up right,
that we keep on moving forward and beat the Ferraris."

Raikkonen's third victory of the season - and 12th of his career
- was clinched when the Finn showed blistering speed after
Hamilton, followed by Alonso, who had taken the lead after the
first round of stops.

Hamilton made a fine start, but was never able to shake
Raikkonen off his tail until pitting on lap 16 when he made his
first error.

Alonso failed to open a significant enough gap over Raikkonen
ahead of the second series of stops.

Raikkonen put in a punishing burst of speed after Alonso had
come in, so when he emerged from his own stop, he had a lead
that made the final 16 laps a formality.

The 27-year-old Raikkonen has gained eight points on Hamilton in
the last two races and knows his F1 title chances have
increased.

"I have a good feeling, but we know every race can be completely
different," Raikkonen said. "I'm not thinking we can do this
all the time, but we have a good chance every weekend as long as
everything works well.

"We would have liked to have been in a better position in the
championship, but we've had difficult times. At least we're
going in the right direction, and I feel we can have a strong
end to the year."

Alonso felt second place was the best he could hope for.

"For the last four or five races I've been quick all weekend,
and quite happy with the car," Alonso said. "I have the speed
and confidence. Hopefully with more consistency and a better
approach to the races with the team, it will be better."

Robert Kubica was fourth for BMW Sauber, with the second Ferrari
of Felipe Massa fifth.

The remaining points places were taken by Nick Heidfeld in the
second BMW and the Renaults of Heikki Kovalainen and Giancarlo
Fisichella.